It’s the end of the semester, and in a few short weeks the holidays will arrive. As you’re catching your breath after the busy semester, you might be taking the time to come up with a New Year’s resolution. Maybe you want to get to the gym more or start papers more than 12 hours before they are due. There are plenty of good goals, but if you haven’t thought of one yet, I have a suggestion: Have more orgasms.
Aside from feeling absolutely fantastic, numerous health benefits accompany orgasms. The hormones released during orgasm reduce stress, improve sleep quality, maintain skin health, reduce cramps… the list goes on. With all of these excellent side effects, it looks like this might be one of the best New Year’s resolutions yet.
Like any resolution, this one can be tricky to implement. For females in particular, orgasming more frequently can be easier said than done. Not to worry; anyone can do it. To make things a little more understandable, here is some explanation of exactly what is happening: A female orgasm is a series of reflexive muscle movements that occur when the muscles which tighten during sexual activity release that tension, usually through pleasurable (read: awesome), rhythmic muscular contractions. These occur most notably in the pelvic floor, but also in other areas, such as the uterus, lower vagina and rectum. The whole process does not have to be such a mystery. It’s really just muscle contractions. That being the case, it is relatively straightforward to increase the frequency and intensity with which you reach orgasm by strengthening those muscles. Kegel exercises are a great way to do this, and they take only a few minutes out of your day. Trust me, those few minutes will be worth it.
Of course, there is more to the orgasm than the clinical description I’ve just given. Some people find it relatively easy to get in the right mindset, while others find it more difficult to relax and focus on just the sensations. There is no easy way to get around that. You just have to go for it and concentrate on how you feel rather than what you think orgasm should look or feel like. The most important thing is to realize that you need to find out what works for you, and that can be a longer process for some people than for others. Try not to get discouraged if things aren’t working quite right. Truly, the key to having really great orgasms is knowing you can. The rest will naturally follow.
All orgasms are great, but they come in very different varieties. A complex network of nerves and muscles serves the genital region, and stimulating different areas produces different sensations. Try different kinds. I doubt you will ever have one that you do not enjoy. The general framework is the same, but the experience can range widely. Highlights include the crymax (orgasm accompanied by tears), a radically altered consciousness with a touch of “oh no, I hope my neighbors didn’t hear that” and a deep sense of satisfaction that could only be improved by a snack and a nap.
While at first it might sound like a joke, resolving to have more orgasms can actually be a step toward being a healthier, more functional person. Orgasms feel incredible and have tons of benefits for your health and well-being. Find a friend or go it alone, but make this year the one in which you learn about how your body works and how you can embrace your sexuality to the fullest. Here’s to being in a really (really, really) great mood in 2015.
Cate M. is a Behind Closed Doors columnist who has already made her (sexy) New Years Eve plans.